Needle positioning mechanism for a sewing machine



July 20, 1965 R. w. WINBERG 3,195,488

NEEDLE POSITIONING MECHANISM FOR A SEWING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1963 3 Sheetshee 1 INVENTOR. m RAG/V48 n1 .W/A/BERG BY M@ y 20, 1965 R. w. WINBERG 3,195,488

NEEDLE POSITIONING MECHANISM FOR A SEWING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2.

FIG. 5.

INVENTOR. AMGA/AR M/ h/l/VBERG ffvkNtYS July 20, 1965 R. w. WINBERG NEEDLE POSITIONING MECHANISM FOR A SEWING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 4.

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FIG.7.

United States Patent 3,195,488 NEEDLE POSITIONDJG MECHANISM FOR A SEWING MACHINE Ragnar W. Winberg, 115 W. Elder Ave., Floral Park, NY. Filed May 31, 1963, Ser. No. 2s4,5ss

8 Claims. (Cl. 112-419) The present invention relates generally to a needlepositioning mechanism for a sewing machine, and in particular to a needle positioner for use in conjunction with a blindstitch sewing machine of the type wherein work-presenting mechanisms are utilized to intermittently present a node material to the stitching mechanisms of the machine.

In a wide variety of sewing machines, it is advantageous to make positive provision for the orientation of the movable needle of the stitching mechanisms relative to the work at the end of a stitching period or interval. For example, in a sewing machine of the blindstitch type it is important to position the movable needle in a retracted or clearance position relative to the work to facilitate the unloading and reloading of the machine. There are various commercially available needle-positioning units which may be built into such sewing mechines or attached thereto for orienting the needle in relation to the work. However, such units are comparatively complicated in construction and therefore relatively expensive, both with respect to the initial cost and expenses attendant to installation and servicing. There exists a need for a relatively simple, rugged and comparatively low cost unit which may be readily attached to a conventional sewing machine and is easily adjusted to establish an oriented position for the needle of the stitching mechanisms relative to the work at the end of successive stitching periods or intervals.

Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a needle positioner which realizes one or more of the aforesaid objectives. Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the present invention to provide an electromechanical needle-positioning unit which may be readily attached to a conventional sewing machine, usually of the blindstitch type, and which is capable of establishing an oriented position of the needle relative to the work under control of the machine operator.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment demonstrating objects and features of the present invention, there is provided a sewing machine which includes stitching mechanisms having a needle which enters and is with drawn from the work during successive stitching cycles. The machine includes a main drive having a driving member, a braking member and a power-transfer member which is selectively movable into and out of contact with the driving and braking members. Provision is made for coupling the power-transfer member to the stitching mechanisms, usually via a conventional belt and pulley coupling. A foot treadle, which is under the control of the machine operator, is operatively connected to the power-transfer member for moving the latter into a sewing position in contact with the driving member and into a braking position in contact with the braking mem ber. Provision is made for normally maintaining the foot treadle in a neutral position, with the pedal being arranged such that the sewing position is established when the operator presses forwardly on his or her toes and the braking position is established when the operator presses rearwardly with his or her heels. A needle positioner is operatively connected to the stitching mech- 3,195,488 Patented July 20, 1965 anisrns and is operable in response to movement of the foot treadle successively into the braking and neutral positions for moving the needle to a clearance position out of the work, or such other oriented position as may be established by adjustment of the unit. The needle positioner includes an auxiliary driven member which is coupled to the stitching mechanisms and an auxiliary driving member which is movable into and out of driving relation to the auxiliary driven member and which in turn is powered from an auxiliary motor. The auxiliary driving and driven members cooperate in one position relative to each other to establish the clearance position for the needle. Provision is made in response to movement of the foot treadle successively into the braking and neutral positions for actuating the auxiliary drive and for moving the auxiliary driving member into driving relation with the auxiliary driven member. Further, it is preferable to provide means which are responsive to movement of the auxiliary driving and driven members into the one position wherein the needle is in the clearance or oriented position for deactivating the auxiliary drive.

The above brief description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be best appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of a presently preferred, but nonetheless illust'rative embodiment, demonstrating objects and features of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, with parts broken away and sectioned, showing a typical blindstitch sewing machine embodying a needle positioner demonstrating features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the machine and needle positioner shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view taken from the left of the needle positioner in FIG. 2 and showing structural details thereof, parts being broken away and omitted in the interest of clarity;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and schematic showing of the control incorporated in the present machine, the control being illustrated in its condition corresponding to the neutral position of the foot treadle and with the stitching mechanisms at a dwell between successive stitching intervals;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of a portion of the control, with the foot pedal being shown diagrammatically and illustrating the relationship between components of the control during a typical stitching interval or period, the full line showing of the foot treadle corresponding to the sewing position, the substantially horizontal dot-dash line showing corresponding to the neutral position, and the further dot-dash line showing corresponding to the braking position;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the relationship of the components of the control in the braking position of the machine; and,

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic and schematic showing similar to FIG. 4, but showing the control in its condition during a typical stitching or sewing interval.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusive, there is shown a blindstitch sewing machine, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, having a needle positioner 12 embodying features of the present invention associated therewith. Although the invention will be described in connection with its application to a blindstitch sewing machine, it win be a pre'ciat d'by those skilled in the art:

that the invention will find usefulfapplic'ation in other types of sewing machines whenever it becomes necessary to position the needle relative to the work at the end of a stitching interval. Briefly, the blindstitch sewing machine includes a frame or stand 14 having a machine table or top 16'upon which is mounted the sewing machine 64. Provision ismade, as will be described hereinafter, for normally biasing the foot treadle 64 into the neutral positionillustratedinFlGjl. I a A The poweratransfer shaft 521,.carries a pulley 68 which is coupled via a belt7tl to an intermediate pulley 72 fixed to an intermediate mounting shaft 74 in the needle body 20 which includes a head. 22.and a work table 24 extending therebeneath. Extending 'longitudinally of-the machine body 20 is the main machine shaft 26 which is internally connected to a needle shaft 28 journaled in the head 22 and carrying a needle bar 30 which receives'and supports the needle 32. The needle 32 is oscillated or reciprocated across the opening through a stationary presser foot or plate 34, with a pair of work-supporting "platens 36, 38 being operative to periodically and intermittently present a node of material M to the needle 32 of the stitch-forming mechanisms, as is generally understood; The work-supporting platens 3'6, '38 are lifted and lowered-in relation to the stationary presser foot 34 by a knee lifter 40*which is adjustably mounted on a knee lever 42 projecting below the top or table 16 of the machine 10. Atypical blindstitchmachine of i this type is constructed by the Union Special Machine Company and is sold underthe designation Lewis Class" 1-50. For further detailsof the generally known internal construction of such machines reference maybe 'm'ade'to 'positioner 12. As seen best at the upper right of FIG. 1

and in the more detailed showings of FIGS.'2 and 3, the intermediate mounting shaft 74Lisjournaled on a pair of spaced uprights 76, 78, with the mounting shaft 74 proj ecting beyond the upright 76 in the direction of the machine'body and carrying the intermediate pulley 72 at the free or cantileverede'nd thereof. Inwardly of the intermediate pulley 74 is a further intermediate pulley 89 which is likewise secured or keyed to the intermediate mounting shaft 74. The intermediate pulley 80 iscoupled to a main shaft pulley 82' on the main machine shaft 26 by a further belt'84. Thus, a driving train is completed the prior art, including U.S.: PatentsNos. 2,333,128 of November 2, 1943, 2,416,941 of March 4,1947. and' 2,588,274 of March 4, 1952. Accordingly, furthe'r description of such well known machines will be dispensedwith in the interest'of'brevity.

Disposed beneath the work table 16 and mounted, on the frame 14 is the main drive motor 44 which is of. gener v ally known construction and includes a driving member or plate 46 connected 'to the motor shaft, a braking member or plate 48 mounted on the motor housing and spaced from the driving member 46, and an intermediate power:

transfer member 50. The power-transfer"member 50 is carried on a power transfer shaft 52 which is jou'rnaled in a hub or bearing 54 on the motor 44 for axial recipro- I cation to move the power-transfer member from the illustrated neutral position into contact with the driving member 46 to establish the sewing position and intocontact with the braking member or disc 48 to establish a braking position.

housing of the motor 44. The shorter arm'56a of the lever 56 terminates in a'yoke 56b which straddles and engages a shifting pin 52:: fixed to the power-transfer shaft To this end, a double-arin'shift lever; 56 is pivotally mounted by a horizontal pin 58 on the from the power-transfer shaft 52 to the main machine shaft 26 via the respective pairs of belt and pulley couplings; 1

With'co'ntinued referenceto FIGS. 1 to 3inclusive, there now'follows a description of the details of the needle positioner 12 which is seen to include a relatively low speed auxiliary needle-positioning motor 86 which is' m0unted with its motor'shaft 86a extending in spaced.

parallel relation 'relative-to'the; main machine shaft 26 and'disposed rearwardly thereof. The motor shaft 86a, as seen best in FIG. 3,'carries a secondary driving gear 83 which meshes with. a secondary driven'gear 90 disposed thereabove. The secondarydriven gear 90 is disposed Joutwardly oftheupright 76in the direction of the sewing machine and is carried on .aj-gear shaft 92 which is journaled on an inverted U-shaped carrier member 94 I which includes spaced parallel arms 94a, 94b and aconnecting bight 940.

' Qrelatively low speed needle positioning motor86 at such 52 and projecting through an'elongated' slot formed in the 'hub or hearing 54. The longer arm 56b of the lever 56,

which is of L-shape confi uration, is connected'via a coupling link 60 to a bracket 62 which'is fixed to and projects laterally of the rearward end of the foot treadle 64. As is generally understood, and as seen best in the diagrammatic showings of FIGS. 5 and 6, the foot treadle 64 is pivoted on a transverse and horizontally, extending treadle shaft 66. As will be subsequently described, the 7 foot treadle '64 is normally urged into a substantially horizontal neutral position, shown by the full'lines in FIG. 1 and designated by the letter N in FIGS. 5 and 6. When the operator exerts pressure'with his or her toes at the forward end of the foot treadle 64, the treadle pivots into a sewing position, shown by the full lines in FIG. 5 and illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS 1'. and 6 by the. dot-dash lines andtdesignated by the letter S. .When themachine operator exerts pressure with his or her heels at the rearmost end of the foot treadle 64, the treadle pivots to a braking position,'illustrated by the full lines in FIG. 6 and shown by the dot-dash lines in FIGS. 1 and 5' designated by the letter 'B. It will of course be appreciated that the power-transfer member 50' will be in neutral, sewing and braking positionscorrespending to the designated positions for the foot treadle times as the needle-positioning motor 86 is energized and r times as'the latter isactivated'or energized. V Mounted on the intermediate mounting sh-aft74 "between the'upright 76 and the intermediate pulley 80 is anauxiliary driven member or follower 166 which has a peripheral track 106d in position for driving engagement with the auxiliary driving member or roller 104 when the latter is rocked about the pivots 100, 102 into contact with the peripheral track 106a, as will subsequently be described. Since the auxiliary driven member 106 is mounted on the iutermediatemounting shaft 74, it is coupledto the'main machine shaft 26 via the pulleys 8t 82 and the belt 84 trained thereabout. Thus, at such the auxiliary driving member 104 is in contact with the peripheral track 106w of theauxiliary driven member 1'96, a secondary drive will be imparted to the. main machine shaft 26 which will continue to actuate the mechanisms thereof, notwithstanding the deenergization or deactivation of the main machine motor 44.- As is seen in FIG. 3, the peripheraltrack 106a of the driven member or follower 106 is formed with a seating cut-out or notch 1l6b which receives the auxiliary driving member or roller 104 within one cycle of rotation of the auxiliary driven member 106, It will of course be appreciated that the rotational orientation of theseating cut-outiltiob in relation to the stitching mechanisms will determine the oriented position of the needle 32, which oriented position can be changed by adjusting the auxiliary driven member 106 relative to the intermediate mounting shaft 74. When the auxiliary driving roller 104 falls into the seating notch 1061;, the auxiliary drive of the needle positioner 12 is effectively disabled and a corresponding position of adjustment or orientation is established for the needle 32 relative to the material or work M. During successive stitching intervals or periods, it will be appreciated that the needle 32 can be brought to an oriented position, for example one retracted from the work as illustrated in FIG. 1, within one cycle of rotation of the needle positioner 12. The amount of rotation is determined by the angular location of the seating notch 106k relative to the point at which the driving roller 104 contacts the peripheral track 106a of the auxiliary driven member 106 at the start of a needlepositioning cycle.

The auxiliary driving roller 104 is brought into driving relation with the auxiliary driven member 106 under the control of a solenoid 108 which is placed under current when the main drive is disrupted, as will be subsequently described. The solenoid 108 includes a plunger 110 which is retracted into the solenoid coil when the solenoid 108 is placed under current and causes a corresponding movement of the pivoted plunger rod 112. The plunger rod 108 is coupled to the carrier member 94 by a roller-positioning arm 114 which is rigidly connected to the bight 940 of the carrier member 94, as by the rivet 116. The roller-positioning arm 114 is provided with a clearance opening through which the plunger rod 112 extends, with the rod carrying an adjustable driving nut 118 which provides one abutment for a coil spring 120, the other abutment thereof being provided by underlying portion of the arm 114. Accordingly, upon energization of the solenoid 108 and a downwardly directed pull being exerted on the plunger rod 112, the coil spring 120 is somewhat compressed and the rollerpositioning arm 114 rocks the carrier member 94 in the counterclockwise direction about the pivots 100, 102

' when viewed from the left of FIG. 2 and as illustrated in FIG. 3, thus bringing the auxiliary driving roller 104 into contact with the auxiliary driven follower 106.

Positive stops are associated with the pivoted carrier member 94 for limiting the rocking movement of the auxiliary driving roller 104. In this illustrative embodiment, the uprights 76, 73 carry a cross plate 122 which supports an upwardly projecting stop pin 124 (see FIG. 3). The stop pin 124 in turn has mounted thereon an adjustable stop nut 126 which bears against the upper side of the roller-positioning arm 1 14, with a coil spring 1 28 being disposed beneath the arm 114 and bearing against the cross plate 122. The arrangement of the coil springs 1 20, 128 is such as to establish an equilibrium position for the auxiliary driving roller 104 in spaced relation to the auxiliary driven member 106. The spring suspension for the roller 104 is such that there is no undue binding of the driving roller 104 when seated within the notch 1061). This is particularly important in a construction wherein positive provision is not made for disrupting the auxiliary drive when the oriented position for the needle is established by the meeting members 104, 106.

In order to provide a positive indication that the needle positioner 12 has completed the positioning function and that the needle 32 is in the desired oriented position, a signaling light 130 is mounted above the head 22 of the blindstitch sewing machine 10 to provide a prominent visual indication to the operator that the work can be unloaded from the machine. As will be subsequently described, the indicator light 130 is energized at such time as the auxiliary driving roller 104 seats itself within the cutout or notch 106 b and actuates a microswitch 132 which is mounted on the outer side of the upright 78 in position for the switch actuator 13 2a to be engaged by the carrier member 94 (see FIG. 2). Details of this action will be more fully appreciated in conjunction with the description of the schematic showings in FIGS, 4 to 7 inclusive.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it is seen that a control panel 134 is mounted beneath the machine table 16 and has pivotally mounted thereon a treadle-positioning lever 136 which is pivoted by pin 136 and is biased against the positioning stop 140 by a spring 142 which is anchored on the plate at 144. The treadle-positioning lever engages against the terminal end or enlarged head of a pivoted switch arm 146 which is pivoted at pin 148. The switch arm 146 is coupled via the link 152 and the auxiliary bracket 154 to the forward or toe end of the foot treadle 64. A coil spring 156 is mounted beneath the housing of the motor 44 and is operatively connected via the mounting pin .158 to the L-shaped longer arm 56b of the double-arm lever 56. Although the coil spring 156 is effective to urge the treadle 64 towards the braking position B, the spring 142 does not allow the treadle 64 to move beyond the neutral position until such time as the operator presses his or her heels against the rearward or heel end of the treadle 64 which enables spring 156 to overcome spring 142 and urge the treadle 64 into the braking position, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Disposed beneath the switch arm 146 is a microswitch 160 which has a pivoted switch actuator 162 capable of swinging between limit positions established by actuator stops 164, 166. The microswitch 160 is normally biased such that the switch actuator 162 tends to move towards the open position against stop 1 66, but is held in the closed position against stop 164 by the pivoted switch operating member .168 which is pivotally mounted on the switch arm 1 46 at pivot and is urged by spring 172 such that the nose 168a thereof overlies and bears against the pivoted switch actuator 162. At such time as the foot treadle 64 is moved to the sewing position S illustrated in FIG. 5, the switch operating member 168 moves to a clearance position below the switch actuator 162 thereby allowing the switch 160 to open.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a diagrammatic and schematic representation of the control embodied in the instant machine. A course of alternating current potential is applied across the power lines 174, 176 at the power input terminals 178, 180, with a main control switch 182 being provided in the line 176. The main motor 44 is connected along the lines 174, 176, as is the low speed needle-positioning motor 86 and the coil of the solenoid 108. The signal lamp 130 is connected across the line in series with the two position microswitch 132 having contacts 132a, 13 2b. The microswitch 160, which under control of the switch-operating memher 168, is connected in the line 176 between the motor 44 and the solenoid 108.

A typical sequence of operations will now be described, with particular reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 inclusive, to facilitate a more thorough understanding of the present invention.

As previously explained, the foot treadle 64 is biased by the springs 142, 156 to assume the neutral position, shown by the full lines in FIG. 1 and designated by the letter N in FIGS. 5 and 6. In such neutral position, the switch .160 is held in its closed position by virtue of the action of the camming projection or nose 168a of the switch-operating member 168 which bears against the pivoted switch actuator 162. Further in such control position, the driving roller 104 is seated in the cutout or notch 106b in the peripheral track 106a of the driven member or follower 106 of the needle position 12. Accordingly switch 132 is closed over contact 13 2a to complete the energization circuit for the lamp 130 which signals the operator that the needle 32 is in the oriented position. An energization circuit is completed for the main motor 44, but drive is not imparted to the stitching mechanisms in that the power transfer member 50 is in the neutral position out of contact with the driving member 46. 'Ihe'energizationcircuit for'the needles H positioning motor 86 is not completed in'that there is an open circuit over contact 13%. e

' When the machine operator depresses the forward or toe endof the treadle 6 4 to pivot the same from the neutral position N to the sewing position illustrated by the full lineiin FIG. 5, the power-transfer .memberfit) by the manipulation of the. lifter 40 and the reloading is shifted into driving engagement with the drivingmerrb ber 46 via the linkeiL'the double-arm lever 56,.and the axially shittable power-transfer shaft 52 (see/FIG. 1) to complete the power-transfer connection tostitching mechanisms of the sewingmachine 10. Simultaneously, the link 152 pivots the switch arm 146 in the countercloclewisedirection about the pivot 148 to thereby move the nose 168:: of the switch-operating member ream a,

clearance position beneath the switch actuator 16210 open the microswitch 160. This'establishes the normal running or sewing condition for the control as illustrated of the workfor the next stitching interval or period.

. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the needle-positioner is of an exceptionally basic construction and does not involve the utilization of commutators, brush pick-ups, separate low voltage circuits and the like,

with the attendant .difliculties usually encountered with such more sophisticated circuitry as exemplified by the prior art devices. Rather, the presentconstruction employs electrical and mechanical components which are relatively simple and rugged thereby enabling the construction of a needle-positioning unit of comparatively low-unit cost and suitable for mass production manufacin FIG. 7. As seen' in FIG. 7, the move-ment of the switch-operating member 168 from the braking position B illustrated inthe dot-dash lines to the sewing position illustrated in the full lines and the corresponding opening of the switch 160 disruptsthe energization circuit for the solenoid 108 whereupon the carrier member 94 for the auxiliary driving roller104 moves to a clearance posi- I tion relative tofthe auxiliary driven member- 106 and transfers the switch 132 against the contact 13 2b which disrupts the energization circuit -for the signalling light V 130 and conditions the energization circuit for the lo w' speed needle-positioning motor86. Notwithstanding the transfer of switch 132 against contactlia zb there is no energization circuit completed for therneedlesp-osi-tioning motor 86in that the switch 160 maintains an open circuit inline17 6.

As is customary in the operation of a conventional sewing machine the stitching period or interval is disrupted when the operatorbrakes' with the foot t-readle 64. This is-accornplished by heeling down on the rear 3 ward or heel end of the fo'ot treadle 6-4 to move the same to the brakingposition' illustratedby .the full'lines in FIG. 6, with the tre'adle moving throughthe neutral position N. The upwardly directed 't-hrustwhioh is imparted to the link 152 pivots the switch arm 146 in the clockwise direction about pivot 148, with the head 150- pivoting the treadle positioning lever 136 in the clockwise direction about the pivot 138 .and tensioning the spring 142. The switch-operating member 1 68 moves up- 7 wardly with the switch arm 146 to 'a clearance, posi-' tion relative to the switchactuator 16*2 ofthe microswitch 160,v with the switch remaining in the open position as illustrated in FIG. 7. As' is generally'under-f stood, the'movement of the treadle 64 to thebraking position B disrupts the main drive'a-nd halts the stitching mechanismswith the needle 32 coming togrest in an undetermined position. However, when the machine operator releases the braking pressure thereby allowing treadle 64 to restore to the normal or neutral position N, the switch-operating member 168 once again engages the switch actuator 162 to close the switch 160 thereby com- S pleting the energization circuit for the solenoid 108 and the energization circuit for'the needle-positioning motor 86, the latter being conditioned for. activation by virtue of switch .132 being against contact 1321;. In-this latter connection, -it is to be noted that the movement of the carrier member 94 for the driving roller 104 about the pivots 100, 102 to bring the driving roller 104 into cont'actw-i-th the peripheral track 10611 of the auxiliary driven member or'followerltlfiis notsuflicient to transferthe switch 132 from the contact 13%. The driving,

ture and use over long periods of time, with minimum expense like.

. A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and, in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

What '1 claim is: g

1. In a sewing machine, stitching mechanisms having a needle which enters and is withdrawn from the work during successive stitching cycles, a selective'main drive coupled to said stitching mechanisms, a movable control normally disposed ina neutral position and operatively connected to and controlling said main drive,; a needle positioneroperatively connected to said stitching mechanisms and operable in response to movement of said control formoving said needle. to an oriented position relative to said work, said needle positioner including an auxiliary driven member coupled to said stitching mechafor servicing, replacement of .worn parts and the .nisms, an auxiliary drive including an auxiliary driving member movable into and out of driving relation to said auxiliary driven member, said auxiliary driving and driven members; cooperating in one position relative ,to each i other to establish said oriented position for said needle,

and means responsive to movement of said control into said neutral posltion for moving said auxiliary driving member into driving relation with said auxiliary driven member."

2. In a sewing machine,,stitching mechanisms having a needle which enters and is withdrawn from the work during'successive stitching cycles, a main drive including a movable power-transfer member coupled to said stitching mechanisms, a control normally disposed in a neutral position and'operatively connected to said power-transfer member 'for selectively moving the same into a sewing position and into a braking position, a needle positioner operatively connected to said stitching mechanisms and operable in:response to movement'of said control into said neutral positionfor' moving said needle to an oriented position relative tosaid work, said needle .positioner including an auxiliary driven member coupled to saidistitching mechanisms, an auxiliary driving member movable into and out of driving relation to said auxiliary driven member, said auxiliary driving and driven members cooperating in one position relativeto each other to es-v tablish said oriented position forsaid needle, and mea ns responsive tofimovement of said control into said neutral positionf or moving said auxiliary driving member into driving relation with said auxiliary driven member.

3; Ina sewing machine, stitching mechanisms having a needleiwhich enters and is withdrawn from'the work during successive stitching cycles, a main drive including a movable power-transfer member coupled to said stitch- 9 ing mechanisms, a control normally disposed in a neutral position and operatively connected to said power-transfer member for selectively moving the same into a sewing position and into a braking position, a needle positioner operatively connected to said stitching mechanisms and operable in response to movement of said control into said neutral position for moving said needle to an oriented position relative to said work, said needle positioner including an auxiliary driven member coupled to said stitching mechanisms, an auxiliary drive including an auxiliary driving member movable into and out of driving relation to said auxiliary driven member, said auxiliary driving and driven members cooperating in one position relative to each other to establish said oriented position for said I needle, means responsive to movement of said control into said neutral position for moving said auxiliary driving member into driving relation with said auxiliary driven member, and means responsive to movement of said auxiliary driving and driven members into said one position when said control is in said neutral position for deactivating said auxiliary drive with said needle in said oriented position.

4. In a sewing machine, stitching mechanisms having a needle which enters and is withdrawn from the work during successive stitching cycles, a main drive including a power-transfer member coupled to said stitching mechanisms, a control normally disposed in a neutral position and operatively connected to said power-transfer member for selectively moving the same into a sewing position and into a braking position, a needle positioner operatively connected to said stitching mechanism and operable in response to movement of said control into said neutral position for moving said needle to an oriented position relative to said work, said needle positioner including an auxiliary driven member coupled to said stitching mechanisms and having a peripheral track formed with a seating cutout, and an auxiliary driving roller movable into and out of driving contact with said peripheral track of said auxiliary driven member, said auxiliary driving roller falling into said seating cutout in one position of said auxiliary driven member relative to said driving roller to establish said oriented position for said needle.

5. In a sewing machine, stitching mechanisms having a needle which enters and is withdrawn from the work during successive stitching cycles, a main drive including a power-transfer member coupled to said stitching mechanisms, a control normally disposed in a neutral position and operatively connected to said power-transfer member for selectively moving the same into a sewing position and into a braking position, a needle positioner operatively connected to said stitching mechanism and operable in response to movement of said control into said neutral position for moving said needle to an oriented position relative to said work, said needle positioner including an auxiliary driven member coupled to said stitching mechanisms and having a peripheral track formed with a seating cutout, an auxiliary driving roller movable into and out of driving contact with said peripheral track of said auxiliary driven member, said auxiliary driving roller falling into said seating cutout in one position of said auxiliary driven member relative to said driving roller to establish said oriented position for said needle, and means responsive to movement of said control into said neutral position for moving said auxiliary driving roller into driving contact with said auxiliary driven member.

6. In a sewing machine, stitching mechanisms having a needle which enters and is withdrawn from the work during successive stitching cycles, a main drive including a power-transfer member coupled to said stitching mechanisms, a control normally disposed in a neutral position and operatively connected to said power-transfer member for selectively moving the same into a sewing position and into a brakingposition, a needle positioner operatively connected to said stitching mechanism and operable in response to movement of said control into said neutral position for moving said needle to an oriented position relative to said work, said needle positioner including an auxiliary driven member coupled to said stitching mechanisms and having a peripheral track formed with a seating cutout, an auxiliary driving roller movable into and out of driving contact with said peripheral track of said auxiliary driven member, said auxiliary driving roller falling into said seating cutout in one position of said auxiliary driven member relative to said driving roller to establish said oriented position for said needle, means responsive to movement of said control into said neutral position for moving said auxiliary driving roller into driving contact with said auxiliary driven member, and means responsive to movement of said auxiliary driving roller into said seating cutout for deactivating said auxiliary drive with said needle in said oriented position.

7. In a blind stitch sewing machine, stitching mechanisms having a needle which enters and is Withdrawn from the work during successive stitching cycles, a main drive including a driving member, a braking member and a power-transfer member selectively movable into and out of contact with said driving and braking members, means coupling said power-transfer member to said stitching mechanisms, a foot treadle under control of the machine operator and operatively connected to said power-transfer member for moving the same into a sewing position in contact with said driving member and into a braking position in contact with said braking member, means operatively connected to said foot treadle and normally urging the same into a neutral position, a needle positioner operatively connected to said stitching mechanisms and operable in response to movement of said foot treadle successively into said braking and neutral positions for moving said needle to a clearance position out of said work, said needle positioner including an auxiliary driven member coupled to said stitching mechanisms, an auxiliary drive including an auxiliary driving member movable into and out of driving relation to said auxiliary driven member, said auxiliary driving and driven members cooperating in one position relative to each other to establish said clearance position for said needle, and means responsive to movement of said foot treadle successively into said braking and neutral positions for actuating said auxiliary drive and for moving said auxiliary driving member into driving relation with said auxiliary driven member.

8. In a blind stitch sewing machine stitching mechanisms having a needle which enters and is withdrawn from the work during successive stitching cycles, a main drive including a driving member, a braking member and a power-transfer member selectively movable into and out of contact with said driving and braking members, means coupling said power-transfer member to said stitching mechanisms, a foot treadle under control of the machine operator and operatively connected to said power-transfer member for moving the same into a sewing position in contact with said driving member and into a braking position in contact with said braking member, means operatively connected to said foot treadle and normally urging the same into a neutral position, a needle positioner operatively connected to said stitching mechanisms and operable in response to movement of said foot treadle successively into said braking and neutral positions for moving said needle to a clearance position out of said work, said needle positioner including an auxiliary driven member coupled to said stitching mechanisms, an auxiliary drive including an auxiliary driving member movable into and out of driving relation to said auxiliary driven member, said auxiliary driving and driven members cooperating in one position relative to each other to establish said clearance position for said needle,

means responsive to movement of ,said foot treadle successively into said braking and neiltral positions for actuating said auxiliary drive and for moving'said auxiliary driving member into driving relation with said auxiliary driven member, and means responsive to movement of said auxiliary driving and driven members into said one'position when said foot treadle is in said neutral position for deactivating said auxiliary drive with said needle in said clearance position. I

12 v ReferencesCited by the Examiner '7 U NITED STATES PATENTS 2,332,649: 10/43 Knott i 112-219 5 2,911,93011/59 Taylor- 112-219 3,033,142 5/ 62 Winz 112-219 JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner. ROBERT v. HSLOAN, Examiner; 

1. IN A SEWING MACHINE, STITCHING MECHANISMS HAVING A NEEDLE WHICH ENTERS AND IS WITHDRAWN FROM THE WORK DURING SUCCESSIVE STITCHING CYCLES, A SELECTIVE MAIN DRIVE COUPLED TO SAID STITCHING MECHANISMS, A MOVABLE CONTROL NORMALLY DISPOSED IN A NEUTRAL POSITION AND OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO AND CONTROLLING SAID MAIN DRIVE, A NEEDLE POSITIONER OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID STITCHING MECHANISMS AND OPERABLE IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID CONTROL FOR MOVING SAID NEEDLE TO AN ORIENTED POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID WORK, SAID NEEDLE POSITIONER INCLUDING AN AUXILIARY DRIVE MEMBER COUPLED TO SAID STITCHING MECHANISMS, AN AUXILIARY DRIVE INCLUDING AN AUXILIARY DRIVING MEMBER MOVABLE INTO AND OUT OF DRIVING RELATION TO SAID AUXILIARY DRIVEN MEMBER, SAID AUXILIARY DRIVING AND DRIVEN MEMBERS COOPERATING IN ONE POSITION RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER TO ESTABLISH SAID ORIENTED POSITION FOR SAID NEEDLE, AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID CONTROL INTO SAID NEUTRAL POSITION FOR MOVING SAID AUXILIARY DRIVING MEMBER INTO DRIVING RELATION WITH SAID AUXILIARY DRIVEN MEMBER. 